System and method of displaying information on desktop

ABSTRACT

A terminal and first, second and third servers are connected through a communication circuit. The first server stores a list of data of obtainable characters and a server address of character display data. The second server stores character display data and a schedule file. The third server stores advertisement data. The terminal down-loads the list from the first server and displays the list of obtainable characters. By selecting an arbitrary character from the list, the terminal down-loads an address of stored character display data from the second server. Based on the address, character display data and a corresponding schedule file are down-loaded from the second server. Advertisement data is down-loaded from the third server as described in the schedule file. The terminal displays the character on a desktop based on the character display data, and provides an advertisement from the advertisement data according to a schedule described in the schedule file.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to information providing technology, andespecially to technology for providing an advertisement on an imageplane (desktop) of a computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, in connection with prosperity of an internet, there isa trend that the internet is utilized as means for providing anadvertisement. For example, a home page of an enterprise and an internettelevision set are example thereof.

However, with regard to all of the conventional means, unless a useractively takes action, it is not possible for the user to seeinformation such as an advertisement and obtain information such as anadvertisement. For example, in case of seeing a home page of anenterprise, it is possible for a user to open a home page of apredetermined enterprise and see information described in the home pagetill the user starts up a browser and inputs an address of the homepage. Also, for a side which provides advertisement information of anenterprise and so forth, it is not possible to directly and passivelyshow a user the latest advertisement such as an advertisement through atelevision.

On the other hand, there was technology in which a character a userlikes is shown on an image plane (desktop) of a computer.

However, even in case of showing the character on the image plane(desktop), it takes a lot of loads and costs to obtain a display data ofthe character to be shown on the image plane.

Accordingly, the present invention has an objective to providetechnology of an information offer, which is capable of automaticallyshowing a character especially on an image plane (desktop) of acomputer, and of showing advertisement information on the image plane(desktop) of the computer, which an advertisement provider wants toshow, using the character that has been shown.

Also, the present invention has an objective to provide technology of aninformation offer, which is capable of updating advertisementinformation to be shown on an image plane (desktop) of a computer to thelatest advertisement information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-described objective of the present invention is accomplishedby an information providing system having a first server, a secondserver, a third server, a terminal, and a communication circuitconnecting each of the above-described servers with the terminal,

-   -   characterized in that the above-described first server has    -   storage means for storing a list of data of characters which a        user can obtain, and a server address at which a character        display data for displaying the above-described characters is        stored, and means for conducting communication with each other        through the above-described terminal and the above-described        communication circuit,    -   the above-described second server has storage means for storing        the above-described character display data and a schedule file        for managing information in relation to the characters, and        means for conducting communication with each other through the        above-described terminal and the above-described communication        circuit,    -   the above-described third server has storage means for storing a        data of information in relation to the above-described        characters, and means for conducting communication with each        other through the above-described terminal and the        above-described communication circuit, and    -   the above-described terminal has    -   means for communicating with the above-described first server,        second server and third server, means for down-loading the        above-described list of data from the above-described first        server and displaying a list of the characters that can be        obtained, means for down-loading an address of the second server        in which the character display data of a character selected from        the above-described first server is stored by selecting an        arbitrary character from the above-described list of the        characters, means for down-loading the above-described character        display data and the schedule file corresponding to these        characters from the above-described second server, based on the        address of the above-described second server, means for        down-loading an information data described in the        above-described schedule file from the above-described third        server, means for displaying characters on a desktop based on        the down-loaded character display data, and means for providing        information by means of the down-loaded information data based        on a schedule described in the above-described schedule file.

Also, the above-described objective of the present invention isaccomplished by an information providing system having a first server, asecond server, a third server, a terminal, and a communication circuitconnecting each of the above-described servers with the terminal,

-   -   characterized in that the above-described first server has    -   storage means for storing a list of data of characters which a        user can obtain, and a server address at which a character        display data for displaying the above-described characters is        stored, and means for conducting communication with each other        through the above-described terminal and the above-described        communication circuit,    -   the above-described second server has    -   storage means for storing the above-described character display        data, a schedule file for managing information in relation to        the characters, and a data of information in relation to the        above-described characters, and means for conducting        communication with each other through the above-described        terminal and the above-described communication circuit,    -   the above-described terminal has    -   means for communicating with the above-described first server,        second server and third server, means for down-loading the        above-described list of data from the above-described first        server and displaying a list of the characters that can be        obtained, means for, by selecting an arbitrary character from        the above-described list of the characters, down-loading an        address of the second server from the above-described first        server, in which the character display data of the selected        character is stored, means for down-loading the above-described        character display data, the schedule file corresponding to these        characters and the data of the information in relation to the        above-described characters from the above-described second        server, based on the address of the above-described second        server, means for displaying characters on a desktop based on        the down-loaded character display data, means for providing        information of the down-loaded information data based on a        schedule described in the above-described schedule file, means        for recording information provided in the above-described        information, and means for transmitting the above-described        provided information record to the above-described third server,        and    -   the above-described third server has    -   means for conducting communication with each other through the        above-described terminal and the above-described communication        circuit, storage means for storing the provided information        record, and means for storing the provided information record in        the above-described storage means, which has been transmitted,        in association with the terminal that transmitted it.

Moreover, the above-described objective of the present invention isaccomplished by an information providing method in a network comprisingat least a first server, a second server, a third server, a terminal,and a communication circuit connecting each of the above-describedservers with the terminal,

-   -   characterized in that the method has steps of:    -   storing in the above-described first server a list of data of        characters which a user can obtain, and a server address at        which a character display data for displaying the        above-described characters is stored;    -   storing in the above-described second server the above-described        character display data and a schedule file for managing        information in relation to the characters;    -   storing in the above-described third server a data of        information in relation to the above-described characters;    -   having access to the above-described first server from the        above-described terminal, and down-loading the above-described        list of data and displaying a list of characters on the        terminal;    -   selecting an arbitrary character from the displayed list, and        transmitting a data indicating the selected character to the        above-described first server;    -   receiving the above-described data at the above-described first        server, and transmitting an address of the second server in        which a character display data of the selected character to the        above-described terminal;    -   down-loading the above-described character display data and the        schedule file corresponding to this character from the        above-described second server, based on the above-described        address at the above-described terminal;    -   down-loading an information data described in the        above-described schedule file from the above-described third        server at the above-described terminal;    -   displaying characters on a desktop based on the down-loaded        character display data at the above-described terminal; and    -   providing information of the down-loaded information data based        on a schedule described in the above-described schedule file at        the above-described terminal.

Also, the above-described objective of the present invention isaccomplished by an information providing method in a network comprisingat least a first server, a second server, a third server, a terminal,and a communication circuit connecting each of the above-described

-   -   servers with the terminal,    -   characterized in that the method has steps of: storing in the        above-described first server a list of data of characters which        a user can obtain, and a server address at which a character        display data for displaying the above-described characters is        stored;    -   storing in the above-described second server the above-described        character display data, information in relation to the        characters and a schedule file for managing information in        relation to the above-described characters;    -   having access to the above-described first server from the        above-described terminal, and down-loading a server address at        which the above-described list of data and the character display        data are stored, and displaying a list of characters on the        terminal;    -   selecting an arbitrary character from the displayed list at the        above-described terminal;    -   recognizing an address of a server corresponding to the        above-described selected character at the above-described        terminal;    -   down-loading the character display data of the above-described        selected character, the information data in relation to the        above-described selected character and the schedule file of the        above-described selected character from the above-described        second server, based on the above-described server address at        the above-described terminal;    -   displaying characters on a desktop based on the down-loaded        character display data at the above-described terminal;    -   providing information of the information data based on a        schedule described in the above-described schedule file at the        above-described terminal;    -   recording the providing of the provided information at the        above-described terminal;    -   transmitting a provided record of the recorded information to        the third server at the above-described terminal when        communication can be conducted; and    -   creating a database of the record of the provided information of        the above-described terminal based on the provided record of the        above-described information at the above-described third server.

As a preferable embodiment of the above-described present invention, itis preferable that the above-described information data is anadvertisement data for providing an advertisement.

Also, as a preferable embodiment of the above-described presentinvention, it is preferable that a new schedule file and informationdata are down-loaded from the above-described second server or thirdserver when communication can be conducted, and the data is updated.

Moreover, as a preferable embodiment of the above-described presentinvention, it is preferable that an effective term is set for theabove-described schedule file, and it is preferably constructed that adisplay of the characters is disabled in case that the above-describedeffective term is passed over.

The present invention is information providing technology capable ofdisplaying information such as characters and advertisement on an imageplane of a computer, and always updating it to new information.

The updating of the information is basically conducted through acommunication network, for example a network such as internet, and aquantity of data to be displayed are stocked on a side of a terminal.

The characters and advertisement information to be displayed on theimage plane are down-loaded through the network, and are displayed basedon a schedule file. The updating of the schedule file is conducted byautomatically having access to a server and conducting downloading bymeans of a terminal.

Also, log information (user information or utilization frequency) of theterminal is up-loaded on a side of a server, and classified and managed.

Also, it is possible to add applications that become to be differentkinds of plugs-in, and also, each plug-in can control the movement andfunction of the displayed characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of this embodiment,

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining operation of this embodiment,

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an image plane of a desktop on which acharacter is displayed,

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a schedule file,

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining operation of this embodiment,

FIG. 6 is an example of a display of an advertisement which is displayedon a desktop,

FIG. 7 is an example of a display of an advertisement which is displayedon a desktop,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining updating of a schedule file,

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining updating of an advertisement data,

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view of another embodiment,

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view with respect to a file of each apparatus inanother embodiment,

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining operation of another embodiment,

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining operation of another embodiment,and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining operation of another embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained. First, termsused in this embodiment will be explained.

1. Character

A character means a person or an object made of a polygon, for example,and means an object to be displayed on a desktop of a user. Thischaracter freely moves around on an image plane (desktop) of a computer,and conducts various actions.

A data for displaying this character is comprised of an EXE file that isan application file for combining data with each other and displayingand operating them on the desktop, a file for designating correspondenceof necessary files, a file that is a model data of a character, a filethat is an action data of a character, a file including a bit map dataor a JPEG data and so forth which is a texture data of a character, afile of a voice data, and a motor file for defining a motion of acharacter on the desktop. The data of these files is generally called acharacter display data, hereinafter.

2. Advertisement Data

An advertisement data means a data for displaying an advertisement whichan advertiser wants to show a user. However, not only a pureadvertisement but also an inquiry of a questionnaire and so forth to auser are included in the advertisement mentioned here.

Also, the kind of the advertisement data is not limited to that of atext data, a picture data and a sound data and so forth.

3. Schedule File

A schedule file means a file for managing a schedule of timing and soforth when an advertisement and so forth are displayed on a display of auser. Also, the file manages an effective term during when a charactercan be displayed.

4. Tuner

A tuner means a program which is first installed in a terminal device ofa user. This program has a function for transmitting and receiving acharacter display data, a schedule file and an advertisement data, anddisplaying a character and an advertisement. However, as a method ofobtaining the tuner, purchase, distribution and download from a serveror internet and so forth can be considered.

Next, a particular embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a terminal device of a user. This terminal device 1 is acomputer, and is constructed of a computer body, a display, acommunication modem, a keyboard, a mouse and so forth. Also, in astorage device of the terminal device 1, a tuner is installed.

2 is a management server. This only one management server 2 exists on anetwork, and manages characters which are presently registered and canbe obtained by a user. For example, when a user starts up a tuner andhas access to the management server 2, the management server 2 transmitsa list of data of the characters which are presently registered and canbe obtained by the user. In the terminal device 1 of the user, by meansof the list of the data, a list of the characters which can be obtainedis displayed, and it is possible to select a desired character out ofthis list. When the user selects the desired character, the managementserver 2 transmits an address of a contents server, which corresponds tothe selected character, to the terminal device 1. Accordingly, in orderto know an address of the contents server in which the character whichcan be obtained and the character display data of this character arestored, it is necessary for a user to certainly have access to themanagement server 2 from the terminal device 1 one time.

3 is a contents server. With regard to this contents server 3, aplurality of contents servers are usually provided, and store acharacter display data of a character being managed and a schedule filecorresponding to the above-described character, respectively. Also, bymeans of the tuner, these data are transmitted to a person who is tryingto obtain the character. Actually, when a user starts up the tunerduring an on-line, the user has access to the contents server 3 at anaddress which has been obtained from the management server 2, and thecharacter display data and the schedule file are down-loaded.

4 is a server of an advertiser. Also, with regard to this server 4, aplurality of servers are provided, and each server stores anadvertisement data for displaying (offering) an advertisement, andtransmits the advertisement data to the terminal device 1. Actually,based on the tuner and the schedule file which are stored, theadvertisement data is down-loaded to the terminal device 1.

5 is an internet, and the terminal device 1, the management server 2,the contents server 3 and the server 4 of an advertiser are connectedthereto, and it becomes to be possible to conduct transmission andreception of a data therebetween.

Next, particular operation of the above-mentioned arrangement will beexplained.

Operation until a character is displayed on a desktop of the terminaldevice 1 will be explained using a flowchart of FIG. 2. It is notedthat, in the tuner which is installed in the terminal device 1, anaddress of the management server 2 is previously described.

First, the tuner is started up, and access to the management server 2from the terminal device 1 is made (Step 100). And, from the managementserver 2, a list of data of characters which are presently registered isdown-loaded (Step 101). In the terminal device 1 which has received it,the list of the characters is displayed (Step 102). A user selects adesired character out of the displayed list (Step 103). Then, an addressof the contents server 3 which corresponds to the selected character isdown-loaded from the management server 2 (Step 104), and this address isstored in a storage device of the terminal device 1 (Step 105).

Next, based on the address of the contents server 3 which has beenobtained from the management server 2, access to the contents server ismade (Step 106). And, a character display data of the selected characterand a schedule file corresponding to this are down-loaded from thecontents server 3, and are stored in the storage device of the terminaldevice 1 (Step 107).

Successively, the tuner of the terminal device 1 has access to theadvertisement server 4 based on an address of the advertisement server,which is described in the schedule file (Step 108). And, anadvertisement data described in the schedule file, which is necessaryfor updating, is down-loaded, and these data are stored (Step 109).

When the tuner confirms the end of the above-described work, as shown inFIG. 3, the selected desired character is displayed on a display of theterminal device of a user (Step 110).

Next, operation of a display of an advertisement in the terminal device1 will be explained.

First, the schedule file used in this operation will be explained.

The schedule file has a format shown in FIG. 4.

In this example, first, designation of default condition of a characteris described (FIG. 4-1). In a block of this default, an effective termof a character (equal to contents) is designated, and in the next line,an address at which ID numbers and character display data uniquelyprovided for each character are stored is designated, and a URL forstarting up a browser when a character is double-clicked under conditionthat information is not displayed, and displaying the character isdesignated.

Next, a contents block for designating condition when a character sendsinformation is described (FIG. 4-2). In this block, time of start andend of a display of information (blowing display, in this example), anda type of information (text and so forth, for example) are described. Itis noted that, in a URL which is described in an information descriptionblock, a file in which an advertisement data is stored exists. Also, aneffective term for the schedule file is end time of final contentsdescribed in a contents description block.

The tuner displays contents (advertisement) on a display of the terminaldevice of a user in accordance with a description of this schedule file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operation of an advertisement display.

First, the tuner tries to confirm an event described in the schedulefile every predetermined period of time, for example every one minute(Step 200). And, if time is for an event described in a CM (commercial)tag of the schedule file (Step 201), a corresponding advertisement datais read, and an advertisement is displayed on an image plane for apredetermined period of time (Step 202). For example, referring to anexample of FIG. 4, an advertisement is displayed from 08:00 in themorning to 08:01 in the morning on Sep. 24, 1998, based on anadvertisement data described in the schedule file. The CM tag of theschedule file signifies “2. Start time and end time of blowing display”of the content block as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are examplesof a display of an advertisement which is displayed on a desktop.

Successively, end time of final contents described in a default tag isconfirmed (Step 203), and if the end time is passed over, it isdetermined that an effective term of this schedule file has expired, anda display of a character is disabled (Step 204).

Next, the updating of the schedule file will be explained. FIG. 8 is aflowchart for explaining the updating of the schedule file.

First, the tuner determines whether or not there is an environment inwhich the terminal device 1 can down-load a new schedule file everypredetermined period of time (Step 300). In other-words, it isdetermined whether the terminal device 1 is connected to an internet.And, in case that the down-loading can be conducted, the tuner hasaccess to the contents server 3 being stored (Step 301).

In the contents server 3, the newest schedule file is selected (Step302). And, the tuner down-loads the newest schedule file and stores it(Step 303).

The above-mentioned updating of the schedule file is conducted at abackground when the terminal device 1 is connected to an internet.

Finally, the updating of an advertisement data will be explained. FIG. 9is a flowchart for explaining the updating of the advertisement data.

First, the tuner determines whether or not there is an environment inwhich the terminal device 1 can down-load a new advertisement data everypredetermined period of time (Step 400). In other words, it isdetermined whether the terminal device 1 is connected to an internet.And, in case that the down-loading can be conducted, the tuner hasaccess to the server 4 being described in the schedule file (Step 401).And, an advertisement data being described in the schedule file isdown-loaded and stored (step 402).

The above-mentioned updating of the advertisement data is conducted at abackground when the terminal device 1 is connected to an internet.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view showing a concept of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

In FIG. 10, 81 is a terminal device of a user. This terminal device 81is a personal computer, and is constructed of a computer body, adisplay, a communication modem, a keyboard, a mouse and so forth. Also,in a storage device of the terminal device 81, a system (Windows, MacOSand so forth) for operating the computer, an application (a tuner and soforth which will be mentioned later) necessary for working the presentinvention, and a plug-in application associated therewith are stored.

82 is a management server. This only one management server 82 exists ona network, and has a character list for managing characters which arepresently registered and can be obtained by a user.

83 is a contents server. With regard to this contents server 83, aplurality of contents servers are usually provided, and have a characterdisplay data of a character being managed, a schedule file correspondingto the above-described character, and an advertisement data to bedisplayed based on the above-described schedule file, respectively.

84 is a log management server. This log management server 84 is forstocking a log of a user.

85 is a plug-in server. This plug-in server has various kinds of plug-inapplications and a management function, for example a function such as amail server.

86 is an internet, and the terminal device 81, the management server 82,the contents server 83, the log management server 84 and the plug-inserver 85 are connected to this internet 86, and it becomes to bepossible to conduct transmission and reception of a data therebetween.

Successively, an arrangement of each device and a file in each devicewill be explained using FIG. 11.

First, the management server 82 will be explained.

In the management server 82, a character list file that is a file of alist of presently available characters is stored. And, when characterselection is selected, under condition of an on-line, all tunerscertainly has access to the character list file, and refer to the list.In this character list file, a list of presently available charactersand an address of the contents server in which a character display dataof each character is stored are described. Furthermore, the managementserver 82 stores, in addition to the character list file, a BMP (bitmap) file for a selection dialog, which is used for displaying in theselection dialog each character listed in the character list file. It isnoted that the number of BMP files for a selection dialog corresponds tothe number of the characters listed in the character list file.

Successively, the contents server 83 will be explained.

The contents server 83 stores a schedule file prepared for everycharacter, a character display data file that is a file includingcharacter ID for distinguishing a character display data from acharacter, and an advertisement data file that is a file of informationto be transmitted, such as a text, and a background image and voice ofblowing. It is noted that description contents of the schedule file areas mentioned above.

In the log management server 84, a log database file is stored, and loginformation successively transmitted from the terminal device 1 isaccumulated.

In the plug-in server 85, programs of various plug-in applications arestored.

Finally, the terminal device 1 will be mentioned.

By means of installation of the tuner, in a storage device of theterminal device 1, a basic information file and a main body of a tunerprogram are created. The basic information file describes an address ofthe management server 82, user ID that will be mentioned later, andlocations and so forth of a schedule file of a down-loaded character anda file of a character display data.

Also, in a storage device of the terminal device 1, a character listfile and a BMP file for a selection dialog, which have been down-loadedfrom the management server 82, are stored. A schedule file, a characterdisplay data file and an advertisement data file, which have beendown-loaded from the contents server 83, are stored. A file of theplug-in application, which has been down-loaded from the plug-in server85, is also stored.

Also, a log file for accumulating a log of an advertisement that a userhas seen is also created.

In the above-described arrangement, operation will be explained usingFIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

First, operation of a tuner during installation will be explained.

When the tuner is installed in the terminal device 1 (Step 500), tunerID is described in the basic information file (Step 501). A numberpeculiar to each terminal device is added to this tuner ID. And, thetuner ID is registered in the log management server 85 in a form whichis related to user information that will be mentioned later. A databaseof them is created in the log management server 85, and is stored in thelog database file. And, the log database file is used in a manner thatit is automatically managed by a password when plug-in in which anetwork is utilized is utilized, and in addition, the log database isused for understanding a version and the number of the tuners.

When the tuner is installed and started up, a user registration by auser is conducted (Step 502). This user registration is reflected in alog data of the log management server 84. It is noted that the contentsof the user registration are “family name”, “first name”, “E-Mailaddress”, “the date of one's birth”, “sex distinction”, “prefectures”and “place of use”, for example.

Successively, a job for selecting a character to be displayed starts(Step 503). Here, channel selection is conducted when a character to bedisplayed is selected, and as a method of selecting the character, forexample, a pop-up menu is utilized, and [channel selection] is selected.When the channel selection is selected, first the tuner is connected toa circuit, and tries to have access to the management server 82 (Steps504 and 505). As a result of trying to connecting it to the circuit, incase that the connection cannot be made, this is displayed andprocessing stops (Step 506).

If the tuner can have access to the management server 82 (Step 507),first the tuner refers to the character list file, and confirms apresently available character. If there is an available character, acharacter list (address information and so forth of the contents serverin which a schedule file and a character display data of the characterare stored) of the character is down-loaded (Step 508). Also, the BMPfile for a selection dialog of the character is down-loaded (Step 509).

When acquisition of these data is completed, the character is displayedbased on the BMP file for the selection dialog (Step 510). When adesired character is selected (Step 511), the tuner has access to theacquired address of the contents server in order to down-load a completeset of a character display data for displaying the character itself andinformation that is presently added to this character (Step 512).

When the access to the contents server is made, first the characterdisplay data is down-loaded (Step 513). In addition, in case that thecharacter display data is already hold, if a data of the server is newercompared with time of the file, the data is down-loaded.

Successively, a schedule file of the character is down-loaded (Step514). And finally, an advertisement data is down-loaded, which includesa message (a text and a bit map data and so forth used for blowing) suchas a presently scheduled advertisement (Step 515).

And, when everything above is prepared, the character is displayed (Step516).

At the end of the display of the character, information of the characterwhich was finally displayed is described in a basic file (Step 517).

Successively, operation during start-up at and after the second timewill be explained.

First, when the tuner is started up, before a display of a character,confirmation and updating of a schedule file are conducted (Step 600).With regard to the confirmation and updating of this schedule file,first it is determined whether the tuner is connected to a networkduring the start-up (Step 601).

If connected, the tuner has access to the contents server described inthe basic information file (Step 602), and confirms the newest schedulefile of the character (Step 603), and if there is a schedule file whichhas a new date, it is down-loaded (Steps 604 and 605). At this time, anadvertisement data corresponding to the schedule file is down-loaded(Step 606). And, the character is displayed (Step 607).

On the other hand, if not connected to the network during the start-up,the tuner confirms a schedule file corresponding to a character that wasfinished at the last time, which is described in the basic informationfile (Steps 608 and 609). At this time, based on the schedule file, incase that a term of character use expires, a comment for notifying thatis displayed without displaying the character (Step 610). Based on theschedule file, in case that a term of character use is effective, thecharacter is displayed (Step 607).

Next, the tuner periodically confirms whether or not time is when anevent described in the schedule file should occur (every one minute, forexample) (Steps 611 and 612).

And, in case that time when the event occurs is confirmed, the tunerdisplays an advertisement on a desktop based on an advertisement data inwhich blowing and so forth are contained in accordance with thedefinition of the schedule file, and also, reproduces a designatedaction (Step 613).

In accordance with time which is written in the schedule file, when thetime reaches time when the display stops, the display is finished (Steps614 and 615).

When the display of information is finished, a kind of the advertisementand a period of display time and so forth are written in a log file as alog (Step 616).

Also, when the tuner is started up in an off-line (disconnection) andthe off-line is halfway changed to an on-line, a check of the date ofthe schedule file is conducted. With regard to a check of an on-line oroff-line, a situation of the connection is confirmed every predeterminedperiod of time on a side of the tuner, for example at periodic timingsuch as every ten minutes.

Furthermore, in the middle of using a certain character, in case ofswitching it to other character by means of “channel selection”,operation same as the above-mentioned “channel selection” is conducted.

Successively, up-loading of log information will be explained.

First, when the tuner is started up (Step 700), it is determined whetheror not it is connected to a network (Steps 701 and 702).

If connected, the tuner has access to the log management server 84, andtransmits the tuner ID which was added during the installation and theregistered user information (Step 703).

In the log management server 84, the tuner ID and the registered userinformation are described in the log database file, which are associatedwith each other (Step 704).

Thereafter, in the terminal device 1, the log accumulation file issuccessively updated. Then, it is determined whether or not the tuner isconnected to the network every fixed period of time (every one hour, forexample) (Steps 705 and 706). If connected, the tuner has access to thelog management server 84 (Step 707), and transmits the updated logaccumulation file together with the tuner ID (Step 708).

In the log management server 84, log accumulation information which hasbeen sent to a data of a user part corresponding to the tuner ID isdescribed, and the log database is updated (Step 709).

Accordingly, the log information of a user is always accumulated in thelog database, and it is possible to understand which characters aredisplayed by a user and which advertisements are seen by the user.

As other embodiment different from the embodiments as explained above,an embodiment below can be considered.

First, it can be considered that the tuner is down-loaded from themanagement server.

Furthermore, by clicking a character displayed on a desktop of theterminal device, it is also possible to have access to a homepage (web)of an advertiser.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, the information providing system related to thepresent invention is information providing technology capable ofdisplaying information such as a character and an advertisement on animage plane of a computer, and of always updating the information to newinformation.

Therefore, the information providing system is appropriate for a fieldin which an advertisement is provided to a user who is utilizing acommunication network.

1. An information providing system having a first server, a secondserver, a third server, a terminal, and a communication circuitconnecting each of said servers with the terminal, characterized in thatsaid first server has storage means for storing a list of data ofcharacters which a user can obtain, and a server address at which acharacter display data for displaying said characters is stored, andmeans for conducting communication with each other through said terminaland said communication circuit, said second server has storage means forstoring said character display data and a schedule file for managinginformation in relation to the characters, and means for conductingcommunication with each other through said terminal and saidcommunication circuit, said third server has storage means for storing adata of information in relation to said characters, and means forconducting communication with each other through said terminal and saidcommunication circuit, and said terminal has means for communicatingwith said first server, second server and third server, means fordown-loading said list of data from said first server and displaying alist of the characters that can be obtained, means for down-loading anaddress of the second server in which the character display data of acharacter selected from said first server is stored by selecting anarbitrary character from said list of the characters, means fordown-loading said character display data and the schedule filecorresponding to these characters from said second server, based on theaddress of said second server, means for down-loading an informationdata described in said schedule file from said third server, means fordisplaying characters on a desktop based on the down-loaded characterdisplay data, and means for providing information by means of thedown-loaded information data based on a schedule described in saidschedule file.
 2. An information providing system recited in claim 1,characterized in that said information data is an advertisement data forproviding an advertisement.
 3. An information providing system recitedin claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said terminal has means fordown-loading a new schedule file from said second server whencommunication can be conducted, and updating the schedule file.
 4. Aninformation providing system recited in claim 1, characterized in thatsaid terminal has means for down-loading a new information data fromsaid third server when communication can be conducted, and updating theinformation data.
 5. An information providing system recited in claim 1,characterized in that said terminal has means for setting an effectiveterm for said schedule file, and disabling a display of said charactersin case that said effective term is passed over.
 6. An informationproviding system recited in claim 1, wherein displaying said charactersand providing said information on said desktop occur withoutinterrupting normal operation of said terminal.
 7. An informationproviding system recited in claim 1, wherein said terminal is capable ofbeing use normally when said characters are displayed and saidinformation is provided on said desktop.
 8. An information providingsystem recited in claim 1, wherein said schedule defines specific pointsin time when said information is desired to be provided.
 9. Aninformation providing system recited in claim 1, wherein saidinformation is provided on said desktop for a predetermined period oftime.
 10. An information providing system recited in claim 1, whereinsaid arbitrary character is selected by a user based on userpreferences.
 11. An information providing system recited in claim 1,wherein selecting a character displayed on said desktop with an inputdevice enables access to a homepage of an advertiser.
 12. An informationproviding system having a first server, a second server, a third server,a terminal, and a communication circuit connecting each of said serverswith the terminal, characterized in that said first server has storagemeans for storing a list of data of characters which a user can obtain,and a server address at which a character display data for displayingsaid characters is stored, and means for conducting communication witheach other through said terminal and said communication circuit, saidsecond server has storage means for storing said character display data,a schedule file for managing information in relation to the characters,and a data of information in relation to said characters, and means forconducting communication with each other through said terminal and saidcommunication circuit, said terminal has means for communicating withsaid first server, second server and third server, means fordown-loading said list of data from said first server and displaying alist of the characters that can be obtained, means for, by selecting anarbitrary character from said list of the characters, down-loading anaddress of the second server from said first server, in which thecharacter display data of the selected character is stored, means fordown-loading said character display data, the schedule filecorresponding to these characters and the data of the information inrelation to said characters from said second server, based on theaddress of said second server, means for displaying characters on adesktop based on the down-loaded character display data, means forproviding information of the down-loaded information data based on aschedule described in said schedule file, means for recordinginformation provided in said information, and means for transmittingsaid provided information record to said third server, and said thirdserver has means for conducting communication with each other throughsaid terminal and said communication circuit, storage means for storingthe provided information record, and means for storing the providedinformation record in said storage means, which has been transmitted, inassociation with the terminal that transmitted it.
 13. An informationproviding system recited in claim 12, characterized in that saidinformation data is an advertisement data for providing anadvertisement.
 14. An information providing system recited in claim 12or claim 13, characterized in that said terminal has means fordown-loading a new schedule file and information in relation to saidcharacters from said second server when communication can be conducted,and updating the schedule file and the information in relation to saidcharacters.
 15. An information providing system recited in claim 12,characterized in that said terminal has means for setting an effectiveterm for said schedule file, and disabling a display of said charactersin case that said effective term is passed over.
 16. An informationproviding system recited in claim 12, characterized in that a fourthserver is provided, which has means for communicating with each otherthrough said terminal and said communication circuit, and storage meansfor storing a plurality of applications, and said terminal further hasmeans for having access to said fourth server and down-loading thestored applications.
 17. An information providing system recited inclaim 16, wherein displaying said characters and providing saidinformation on said desktop occur without interrupting normal operationof said terminal.
 18. An information providing system recited in claim12, wherein said terminal is capable of being use normally when saidcharacters are displayed and said information is provided on saiddesktop.
 19. An information providing system recited in claim 12,wherein said schedule defines specific points in time when saidinformation is desired to be provided.
 20. An information providingsystem recited in claim 12, wherein said information is provided on saiddesktop for a predetermined period of time.
 21. An information providingsystem recited in claim 12, wherein said arbitrary character is selectedby a user based on user preferences.
 22. An information providing systemrecited in claim 12, wherein selecting a character displayed on saiddesktop with an input device enables access to a homepage of anadvertiser.
 23. An information providing method in a network comprisingat least a first server, a second server, a third server, a terminal,and a communication circuit connecting each of said servers with theterminal, characterized in that the method has steps of: storing in saidfirst server a list of data of characters which a user can obtain, and aserver address at which a character display data for displaying saidcharacters is stored; storing in said second server said characterdisplay data and a schedule file for managing information in relation tothe characters; storing in said third server a data of information inrelation to said characters; having access to said first server fromsaid terminal, and down-loading said list of data and displaying a listof characters on the terminal; selecting an arbitrary character from thedisplayed list, and transmitting a data indicating the selectedcharacter to said first server; receiving said data at said firstserver, and transmitting an address of the second server in which acharacter display data of the selected character to said terminal;down-loading said character display data and the schedule filecorresponding to this character from said second server, based on saidaddress at said terminal; down-loading an information data described insaid schedule file from said third server at said terminal; displayingcharacters on a desktop based on the down-loaded character display dataat said terminal; and providing information of the down-loadedinformation data based on a schedule described in said schedule file atsaid terminal.
 24. An information providing method recited in claim 23,characterized in that said information data is an advertisement data forproviding an advertisement.
 25. An information providing method recitedin claim 23 or claim 24, characterized in that the method has a step of,at said terminal, down-loading a new schedule file from said secondserver when communication can be conducted, and updating the schedulefile.
 26. An information providing method recited in claim 23,characterized in that the method has a step of, at said terminal,down-loading a new information data from said third server whencommunication can be conducted, and updating the information data. 27.An information providing method recited in claim 23, characterized inthat an effective term is set for said schedule file, and the method hasa step of, at said terminal, disabling a display of said characters incase that the effective term for the schedule file is passed over. 28.An information providing method recited in claim 23, wherein displayingsaid characters and providing said information on said desktop occurwithout interrupting normal operation of said terminal.
 29. Aninformation providing method recited in claim 23, wherein said terminalis capable of being use normally when said characters are displayed andsaid information is provided on said desktop.
 30. An informationproviding method recited in claim 23, wherein said schedule definesspecific points in time when said information is desired to be provided.31. An information providing method recited in claim 23, wherein saidinformation is provided on said desktop for a predetermined period oftime.
 32. An information providing method recited in claim 28, whereinsaid arbitrary character is selected by a user based on userpreferences.
 33. An information providing method recited in claim 23,wherein selecting a character displayed on said desktop with an inputdevice enables access to a homepage of an advertiser.